JP2010195171A - Compressed air supply device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To exactly determine a replacing timing for desiccant for eliminating moisture of compressed air discharged from an air compressor. <P>SOLUTION: An air dryer module 10 includes the compressor 4 mounted on a vehicle and supplies compressed air discharged from the compressor 4 to loads of the vehicle. In a discharge line of the compressor 4, an air dryer 11 is provided to eliminate foreign matters such as moisture contained in the compressed air, the air dryer 11 is provided with an oil detection sensor 14, and a display part 3 for outputting a detection result of the oil detection sensor 14 is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular compressed air supply apparatus that supplies compressed air by an air compressor mounted on a vehicle.

  Conventionally, in a configuration in which compressed air discharged from an air compressor mounted on a vehicle is stored in a tank and supplied to a load, an adsorbent (drying agent) that adsorbs moisture of the compressed air between the air compressor and the tank ) Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 regenerates the adsorbent during the unloading of the air compressor, thereby continuously removing moisture from the compressed air.

JP-A 63-194717

In the above conventional apparatus, if the deterioration of the adsorbent progresses with continued use, it is difficult to recover the adsorption capacity even if regeneration is performed as described above, so it is common to periodically replace the adsorbent It is. Adsorbent replacement time has been determined by using a method that uses the distance traveled by the vehicle as a guide or a method that estimates the state of the adsorbent based on the atmospheric pressure and air flow rate in the dryer. Since this is a method for estimating the state, the adsorbent replacement time may be made earlier than necessary.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to accurately determine the replacement timing of a desiccant for removing moisture in compressed air discharged from an air compressor.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes an air compressor mounted on a vehicle, and a compressed air supply device for a vehicle that supplies compressed air discharged from the air compressor to a load of the vehicle. The discharge line is provided with an air dryer for removing foreign substances such as moisture contained in compressed air, the oil dryer is provided with an oil detection sensor, and an output unit is provided for outputting the detection result of the oil detection sensor. A compressed air supply device for a vehicle is provided.

  According to the present invention, in the compressed air supply device for a vehicle, the oil detection sensor is disposed inside a case of the air dryer.

  In the compressed air supply device for a vehicle according to the present invention, the oil detection sensor is installed in the vicinity of an introduction portion that guides compressed air to a desiccant included in the air dryer.

  According to the present invention, in the compressed air supply device for a vehicle, the oil detection sensor includes a concentration sensor that detects an oil mist concentration.

  In the compressed air supply device for a vehicle according to the present invention, the oil detection sensor is configured by an electrode provided in an oil reservoir at a bottom portion of the case in the air dryer.

  According to the present invention, the oil content in the air dryer that removes moisture and the like from the compressed air from the air compressor is detected, and the detection result is output, so the oil content that degrades the adsorption performance of the adsorbent that removes moisture and the like. Therefore, the state of the adsorbent can be determined by directly monitoring the presence of the adsorbent, and the adsorbent can be replaced at an appropriate time.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the compressed air supply system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of an air dryer. It is a figure which shows the structure of the compressed air supply system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the air dryer which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the structure of an oil level detection sensor in detail.

[First Embodiment]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a compressed air supply system 1 according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
A compressed air supply system 1 (vehicle compressed air supply device) shown in FIG. 1 removes moisture from the compressor 4 (air compressor), the ECU 2 that controls the compressor 4, and the compressed air discharged from the compressor 4. And an air dryer module 10 for supplying compressed air to the load of the vehicle.
The ECU 2 controls the engine of the vehicle and the operations of the compressor 4 and the air dryer module 10 based on the vehicle speed of the vehicle on which the compressed air supply system 1 is mounted.

Loads 51 to 54 included in the vehicle are connected to the air dryer module 10. A load 51 is a main brake (front wheel), a load 52 is a main brake (rear wheel), a load 53 is a parking brake, and a load 54 is an accessory driven by compressed air such as a horn or a clutch drive mechanism. Each of the loads 51 to 54 includes a compressed air circuit through which compressed air flows, the load 51 includes an air tank 51a, and the load 52 includes an air tank 52a.
The air dryer module 10 detects the air pressure in each part of the solenoid valves 101, 102, and 103 and the air dryer module 10 that are opened and closed under the control of the ECU 2, and outputs pressure values 121, 122, and 123 to the ECU 2. , 124 are provided. The ECU 2 opens and closes the electromagnetic valves 101 to 103 based on the detection values of the pressure sensors 121 to 123.

  The compressor 4 is connected to the engine via an auxiliary belt (not shown), and compresses air by the driving force of the engine. The compressor 4 is controlled by air pressure, and a solenoid valve 101 is connected to this control line. Switching between a load state in which the compressor 4 compresses air and an unload state in which compression is not performed is performed by opening and closing the solenoid valve 101. It is done.

The discharge pipe 41 of the compressor 4 is connected to the inflow pipe 111 of the air dryer module 10, and the air dryer 11 is connected to the inflow pipe 111. The air dryer 11 contains a desiccant 231 in the case 20, and removes foreign matters such as moisture contained in the compressed air discharged from the compressor 4 by the desiccant 231.
The air dryer 11 is provided with an exhaust valve 12, and when the exhaust valve 12 is opened, the compressed air in the main body of the air dryer 11 is discharged directly from the exhaust port 112 to the outside. The exhaust valve 12 is controlled by air pressure, and a double check valve 104 is connected to the control line. The exhaust valve 12 is normally closed and is opened only when air pressure is applied from the double check valve 104.

The air dryer module 10 includes a governor 13 that is mechanically operated by air pressure to control opening and closing of the exhaust valve 12. The governor 13 operates in accordance with the air pressure in the supply passage 106 on the downstream side of the air dryer 11 and applies air pressure to the double check valve 104 when the air pressure exceeds a predetermined value.
On the other hand, the electromagnetic valve 102 is opened and closed under the control of the ECU 2, and applies the air pressure of the supply passage 106 to the double check valve 104 in the valve open state.
The double check valve 104 opens the exhaust valve 12 by applying air pressure when either the governor 13 or the electromagnetic valve 102 is opened. Therefore, the exhaust valve 12 is opened when the air pressure in the supply path 106 is higher than a predetermined value and when the electromagnetic valve 102 is opened, and the compressed air is discharged from the exhaust port 112.

  Here, when the exhaust valve 12 is opened while the air pressure in the air dryer module 10 is sufficiently high, the compressed air downstream of the air dryer 11 flows backward in the case 20 of the air dryer 11 and the exhaust port 112. Released from. At this time, air passing through the case 20 becomes super dry due to rapid pressure reduction, and moisture is taken away from the desiccant 231 in the case 20, so that the desiccant 231 is regenerated. The regenerated desiccant 231 has recovered the adsorptive capacity to adsorb moisture, and can remove moisture from the compressed air. This regenerating operation is executed every predetermined time by opening the electromagnetic valve 102 by the ECU 2, or when the air pressure in the air dryer module 10 satisfies a predetermined condition.

  The air dryer module 10 includes an output port 113 to which a load 51 (front brake main brake) is connected, an output port 114 to which a load 52 (rear wheel main brake) is connected, and an output to which a load 53 (parking brake) is connected. A port 115 and an output port 116 to which a load 54 (accessories) is connected are provided.

  A branch chamber 135 is connected to the supply path 106 downstream from the air dryer 11 via a pressure reducing valve 131. The branch chamber 135 is connected to a supply path connected to the output port 113 and a supply path connected to the output port 114. The supply path connected to the output port 113 is provided with a protective valve 141, and the supply path connected to the output port 114 is connected to the supply path connected to the output port 114. A protection valve 142 is provided. A pressure reducing valve 132 is connected to the branch chamber 135, and the downstream of the pressure reducing valve 132 branches into a supply path connected to the output port 115 and a supply path connected to the output port 116, and protective valves 143 and 144 are provided, respectively. ing. Each of the protection valves 141 to 144 is arranged in parallel with the throttle and the check valve, and closes when a circuit through which compressed air flows is lost in the loads 51 to 54 connected to the corresponding output ports 113 to 116, respectively.

In addition, a pressure reducing valve 133 is disposed on the downstream side of the protective valve 144 in the supply path that connects the pressure reducing valve 132 to the output port 116, and the compressed air that has been decompressed is supplied to the load 54.
Furthermore, a supply path 136 that bypasses the protection valve 143 and is connected to the output port 115 extends in the supply path between the pressure reducing valve 132 and the protection valve 143. The supply path 136 includes a check valve 137 that prevents the backflow of compressed air from the output port 115 to the branch chamber 135, and a throttle 138 that is arranged in series with the check valve 137.

  The pressure sensor 121 detects the air pressure of the supply path 106, the pressure sensor 122 detects the air pressure downstream of the protective valve 141, that is, the output port 113, the pressure sensor 123 detects the air pressure of the output port 114, and the pressure sensor 124. Detects the air pressure at the output port 116. These detected values are output from the pressure sensors 121 to 124 to the ECU 2 as needed.

  By the way, the parking brake device of the vehicle corresponding to the load 53 is allowed to travel after the braking force is released by the air pressure. Specifically, the parking brake is configured to exert a braking force by expanding the brake shoe with the spring force during parking, and closes the brake shoe against the spring force by the air pressure supplied from the air dryer module 10 when released. It has become. Although the load 53 of the first embodiment does not include an air tank that stores compressed air, the air dryer module 10 can reliably operate the load 53 without an air tank.

  That is, the protection valves 141 and 142 are in the open state when the compressed air is sufficiently filled in the compressed air circuits of the corresponding loads 51 and 52, respectively. Accordingly, the compressed air in the main brake air tanks 51 a and 52 a can be supplied from the branch chamber 135 through the pressure reducing valve 132 to the output port 115 through the supply path 136. For this reason, when the air pressure in the air tanks 51a and 52a is sufficiently high, the parking brake can be released by supplying compressed air to the load 53.

  On the other hand, when the air pressure in the air tanks 51 a and 52 a is not sufficient, the ECU 2 opens the solenoid valve 103, the command pressure of the solenoid valve 103 is given to the check valve 137, and the supply path 136 is closed by the check valve 137. The compressed air supply path to the output port 115 is blocked. In this case, the parking brake cannot be released, but it is preferable not to release the parking brake when the air tanks 51a and 52a used for the main brake have insufficient air pressure. Further, the parking brake can be released when the air pressure in the air tanks 51a and 52a is restored. Therefore, even if there is no air tank for the load 53, the parking brake can be stably operated by the compressed air.

Further, the compressed air supply system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an oil detection sensor 14 that detects oil in the air dryer 11.
The desiccant 231 of the air dryer 11 deteriorates with use, and the adsorptive capacity after regeneration is gradually lowered. When the adsorption capacity of the desiccant 231 becomes insufficient, it is replaced with a new one. However, in terms of cost and man-hours, it is desirable to determine an appropriate replacement time and minimize the replacement frequency. Therefore, in the compressed air supply system 1 of the first embodiment, an oil detection sensor 14 is provided in the air dryer module 10, the oil in the case 20 is detected by the oil detection sensor 14, and based on the detection result. The replacement time of the desiccant 231 can be determined.
That is, the inventors have obtained the knowledge that when the compressor oil flowing into the air dryer 11 from the discharge pipe 41 of the compressor 4 adheres to the surface of the desiccant 231, the adsorption ability on the surface of the desiccant 231 is reduced. Based on this, it is configured to detect the state of the desiccant 231 directly by detecting the oil flowing into the case 20. According to this configuration, since the oil adhesion state on the surface of the desiccant 231 can be detected by detecting the oil flowing into the case 20, the degree of deterioration of the desiccant 231 can be appropriately determined.

  In the compressed air supply system 1 of FIG. 1, the oil detection sensor 14 is connected to the ECU 2, and a signal indicating a detection result of detecting oil in the oil detection sensor 14 is input to the ECU 2. The detection result is acquired based on the result. Furthermore, the ECU 2 includes a display unit 3 (output unit) that displays the detection result of the oil detection sensor 14. Specific examples of the configuration of the display unit 3 include an LED that is switched on / off / flashing according to a detection result, and a liquid crystal display panel that displays the detection result with characters, symbols, and the like. The display unit 3 may be mounted together with the speedometer of the vehicle, or may be disposed in the vicinity of the compressor 4 and the air dryer 11 in the vehicle. The display unit 3 allows a driver, a mechanic to maintain the vehicle, an administrator who manages the vehicle, etc. to visually recognize the oil detection state in the case 20 and to set the desiccant 231 appropriately. Can be judged. For example, a display recommending replacement of the desiccant 231 is made on the display unit 3, and the desiccant 231 is replaced based on this display.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a specific configuration example of the air dryer 11.
FIG. 2 shows a configuration in which an oil mist sensor 141 is provided as a specific example of the oil detection sensor 14 (FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 2, the case 20 of the air dryer 11 includes a dryer body 21 and a cartridge cover 22 that covers the dryer body 21 and is fixed by bolts 221. The dryer body 21 is connected to the inflow pipe 111 (FIG. 1), and has an inlet 211 through which compressed air discharged from the discharge pipe 41 of the compressor 4 flows, and a supply path 106 (FIG. 1) from the case 20.

A cartridge 23 is accommodated in a hollow cartridge cover 22 fixed to the upper part of the dryer body 21. The cartridge 23 is fixed to the dryer main body 21 by bolts 235 so that compressed air does not leak out of the cartridge 23.
A space is formed inside the cartridge 23, and this space is filled with a granular desiccant 231. A check valve 232 that discharges compressed air to the outside of the cartridge 23 is provided at the upper end of the cartridge 23. A filter 234 and a spring 233 that press the desiccant 231 from the check valve 232 side are provided below the check valve 232. It is arranged.
In addition, an oil filter 24 that collects oil mist in the circulating air is disposed below the cartridge 23 in order to prevent oil from entering the space in which the desiccant 231 is stored.

Compressed air that has flowed in from the inlet 211 of the desiccant 231 enters an inflow side air chamber 213 (introduction section) provided in the dryer body 21, and further passes through a flow path (not shown) formed in the dryer body 21. Into the cartridge 23. Here, the flow path in the dryer body 21 is connected to the oil filter 24, and the compressed air that has passed through the oil filter 24 reaches the desiccant 231.
The compressed air from which oil has been removed by the oil filter 24 and from which moisture has been adsorbed and removed by the desiccant 231 of the cartridge 23 passes out of the cartridge 23 through the check valve 232 and is provided in the cartridge cover 22. It passes through a flow path (not shown) and flows out of the dryer main body 21 from the outlet 212.

  In the dryer main body 21, an exhaust valve 12 is provided in a flow path through which compressed air flows from the inlet 211 to the cartridge 23. The exhaust valve 12 is a valve for discharging the compressed air in the case 20 to the outside as described above. An exhaust pipe 215 is connected to the lower part of the exhaust valve 12, and a silencer 217 is accommodated in the exhaust pipe 215. In addition, a collar 216 is connected to the lower end of the exhaust pipe 215, and a silencer 218 is also housed inside the collar 216. When the exhaust valve 12 is opened by the above-described regeneration operation, the compressed air in the case 20 passes through the exhaust pipe 215 and the collar 216 and is discharged from the exhaust port 112 opened at the lower end of the collar 216. At this time, since the compressed air is exhausted vigorously from the exhaust port 112 into the outside air, the air flow noise is suppressed by the silencers 217 and 218 so as not to cause a large noise around.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, an oil mist sensor 141 is disposed in the inflow side air chamber 213. The oil mist sensor 141 is a sensor that optically measures the concentration of oil droplets (oil mist) drifting in the inflow side air chamber 213. Specifically, the oil mist sensor 141 includes a light emitting unit (not shown) such as an LED, a light receiving unit (not shown) that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit, and a detection signal that indicates the amount of light received by the light receiving unit. And a signal output unit (not shown). The oil mist sensor 141 measures the concentration of oil mist in the compressed air that flows in from the inlet 211 and is temporarily stored in the inflow side air chamber 213, and outputs a signal indicating the measured value to the ECU 2 (FIG. 1). .

The ECU 2 calculates an integrated value of the concentration of oil mist based on a signal input from the oil mist sensor 141, and outputs the calculated value to the display unit 3 according to the integrated value within a predetermined time.
As a form of this display output, for example, in addition to a form in which the measured value of the oil mist sensor 141 is displayed as a numerical value or a bar graph, a symbol is displayed when the measured value of the oil mist sensor 141 exceeds a preset threshold value. Or a warning display by turning on / flashing the LED.
As a preferred example, the ECU 2 performs display output by the display unit 3 when the integrated value of the oil mist concentration within a predetermined time exceeds a preset threshold value. The threshold value in this case is an amount set in advance as an integrated value of the oil mist corresponding to the case where the adsorption capacity of the desiccant 231 is deteriorated by the oil mist. This threshold value is stored in, for example, a memory built in the ECU 2.

As described above, the compressed air supply system 1 includes the compressor 4 mounted on the vehicle, and the air dryer module 10 that supplies the compressed air discharged from the compressor 4 to the load of the vehicle is connected to the compressor 4. Since the line is provided with an air dryer 11 for removing foreign substances such as moisture contained in compressed air, the air dryer 11 is provided with an oil detection sensor 14, and the display unit 3 for outputting the detection result of the oil detection sensor 14 is provided. By detecting the oil flowing into the air dryer 11, it is possible to directly detect the oil adhesion state on the surface of the desiccant 231. By outputting the detection result, the driver or mechanic of the vehicle can accurately know the degree of deterioration of the desiccant 231 due to the adhesion of oil, and whether or not the desiccant 231 needs to be replaced appropriately. The desiccant 231 can be replaced at an appropriate time.
Moreover, since the oil detection sensor 14 is arrange | positioned inside the case 20 of the air dryer 11, it can detect the oil which flowed into the air dryer 11 reliably with high precision.
Furthermore, since the oil detection sensor 14 is installed in the inflow side air chamber 213 in the vicinity of the introduction portion that guides the compressed air to the desiccant 231 included in the air dryer 11, the oil detection sensor 14 flows into the case 20 from the outside and deteriorates the desiccant 231. It is possible to reliably detect the oil that causes the trouble.
Furthermore, in the compressed air supply system 1, since the oil detection sensor 14 includes the oil mist sensor 141 that detects the oil mist concentration, the mist-like oil that has flowed into the case 20 can be reliably detected.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the compressed air supply system 1 according to the second embodiment.
In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
In the compressed air supply system 1 of the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment described above, the oil detection sensor 14 is provided in a compressed air pipe connected to the downstream side of the air dryer 11. Yes.
That is, the oil detection sensor 14 is located outside the case 20 of the air dryer 11 and detects the amount of oil mist in the compressed air that has passed through the desiccant 231 in the case 20. The oil detection sensor 14 is, for example, the oil mist sensor 141 described in the first embodiment, is connected to the ECU 2, measures the concentration of oil mist in the pipe, and outputs a signal indicating the measured value to the ECU 2. .

In the second embodiment, the ECU 2 outputs to the display unit 3 based on information or signals input from the oil detection sensor 14. Although there are various specific output forms as described in the first embodiment, as a preferable example, the ECU 2 is configured such that when the oil mist concentration within a predetermined time exceeds a preset threshold value, Display output by the display unit 3 is performed.
As described above, when the compressor oil adheres to the desiccant 231, moisture adsorption on the surface of the desiccant 231 is inhibited, and as a result, the adsorbing ability of the desiccant 231 decreases. As this decrease proceeds, the compressor air that has adhered to the desiccant 231 is mixed with the compressed air that has passed through the cartridge 23, so that it is detected as oil mist by the oil detection sensor 14 provided downstream. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the ECU 2 determines whether or not the concentration of the oil mist detected by the oil detection sensor 14 exceeds a preset threshold value, and the determination result is displayed on the display unit 3. Output. This threshold value is stored in, for example, a memory built in the ECU 2.
According to the second embodiment, the state of the desiccant 231 can be directly detected from the amount of compressor oil mixed with the compressed air on the downstream side of the air dryer 11, and the detected state of the desiccant 231 is output. it can. Also, compressor oil that normally does not leak on the downstream side of the desiccant 231 is detected by the oil detection sensor 14 provided on the downstream side of the desiccant 231, so that the state of the desiccant 231 can be detected reliably and with high accuracy. . Further, since the oil detection sensor 14 measures oil mist in the compressed air that has passed through the oil filter 24 and the desiccant 231, this measured value directly observed the amount of oil actually attached to the desiccant 231. be equivalent to. For this reason, by providing the oil detection sensor 14 on the downstream side of the desiccant 231, the state of the desiccant 231 can be detected more directly.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the oil detection sensor 14 is provided in the piping immediately downstream of the air dryer 11, but the position of the oil detection sensor 14 is the air dryer. 11 is not particularly limited as long as it is downstream of the desiccant 231. For example, an oil detection sensor 14 (oil mist sensor 141) may be provided in the vicinity of the outlet 212 (FIG. 2) of the air dryer 11, or an air tank (not shown) provided in the supply path 106 or the supply path 106. An oil detection sensor 14 may be provided in the inside.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the configuration including the oil mist sensor 141 as the oil detection sensor 14 has been described as an example. However, for example, a sensor that detects contact with liquid oil. May be provided.
Hereinafter, this case will be described as a third embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of an air dryer 11A according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, parts that are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
An air dryer 11A shown in FIG. 4 is a device used in place of the air dryer 11 described above. The air dryer 11 </ b> A has a case 20 </ b> A configured by fixing the cartridge cover 22 to the dryer main body 21 </ b> A, and allows compressed air flowing from an inlet 211 provided in the dryer main body 21 </ b> A to pass through the cartridge 23 in the cartridge cover 22. This removes moisture from the compressed air. An oil filter 24 is disposed in the flow path of the compressed air from the inlet 211 to the cartridge 23, and oil contained in the compressed air is collected by the oil filter 24.

The dryer body 21A of the air dryer 11A is provided with an oil pan 251 (oil reservoir). The oil pan 251 is a recess that is located below the oil filter 24 and stores the oil collected and dropped by the oil filter 24. The oil pan 251 is formed in the lower part of the inflow side air chamber 252 that stores the compressed air flowing in from the inflow port 211. A drain bolt 253 is disposed at the bottom of the oil pan 251, and the oil in the oil pan 251 can be discharged by opening the drain bolt 253.
The oil pan 251 is provided with an oil level detection sensor 26 that detects that the level of the oil stored in the oil pan 251 has risen to a predetermined position. The oil level detection sensor 26 is a sensor corresponding to the oil detection sensor 14 shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing the configuration of the oil level detection sensor 26 in detail.
The oil level detection sensor 26 includes a substantially box-shaped sensor main body 261 and an electrode support portion 262 made of an insulator, and two electrodes 263 and 264 are erected from the electrode support portion 262. The electrodes 263 and 264 are composed of rod-shaped conductors and extend downward in parallel at a predetermined interval. The sensor body 261 incorporates a detection circuit (not shown) that detects that the electrode 263 and the electrode 264 are conducted based on the electrical resistance value between the electrodes 263 and 264. The sensor body 261 is connected to lead wires 267 and 268 that extend through the wall of the dryer body 21A, and these lead wires 267 and 268 are connected to the ECU 2 (FIG. 1).

While the oil 27 dropped from the oil filter 24 is stored in the oil pan 251, the oil level detection sensor 26 monitors the electric resistance value between the electrodes 263 and 264, and the liquid level of the oil 27 rises in the figure. When it rises to the position L, the electrodes 263 and 264 are both immersed in the oil 27, and the electrical resistance value between the electrodes 263 and 264 changes significantly. Accordingly, the oil level detection sensor 26 detects that the liquid level of the oil 27 has risen to the position L based on the electric resistance value between the electrodes 263 and 264, and the detection result is obtained via the lead wires 267 and 268. It outputs to ECU2.
In this case, it is possible to directly detect the amount of oil contained in the compressed air flowing from the inlet 211 and flowing to the desiccant 231, and to directly detect the oil adhesion state on the surface of the desiccant 231. . Then, by outputting the detection result from the display unit 3 by the ECU 2, the driver or mechanic of the vehicle can accurately know the degree of deterioration of the desiccant 231 due to the adhesion of oil. It is possible to appropriately determine whether or not replacement is necessary.

Further, an oil level detection sensor 26 having electrodes 263 and 264 is provided in an oil pan 251 provided at the bottom of the case 20 </ b> A in the air dryer 11, and the oil level detection sensor 26 detects the height of the liquid level of the oil 27. Therefore, the amount of oil can be detected reliably.
In the third embodiment, the oil level detection sensor 26 is not configured to monitor the electric resistance value between the electrodes 263 and 264, and the electrode 263 and the lead wire 267, and the electrode 264 and the lead wire 268 are connected. By connecting, the electric resistance value between the electrodes 263 and 264 may be detected in the ECU 2.

  Moreover, each embodiment mentioned above shows the one aspect | mode which applied this invention, Comprising: This invention is not limited to the said embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the oil mist sensor 141 and the oil level detection sensor 26 as the oil detection sensor 14 are provided inside the cases 20 and 20A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the oil detection sensor 14 may be provided inside the inflow pipe 111 of the air dryer 11, and the arrangement position thereof is particularly limited as long as the oil contained in the compressed air flowing toward the desiccant 231 can be detected. Not. In the above embodiment, the configuration including the display unit 3 that outputs the detection result of the oil detection sensor 14 has been described as an example. However, the output form can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the oil detection sensor 14 The detection result may be output by voice or the operation or position of the structure, or a signal indicating the detection result of the oil detection sensor 14 may be output from the ECU 2 to an external device by wire or wirelessly. When connected to the ECU 2, the detection result of the oil detection sensor 14 may be printed out under the control of the ECU 2. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the oil mist sensor 141 and the oil level detection sensor 26 are described as examples of the oil detection sensor 14, but in addition to this, the compressed air flowing into the case 20A is sucked in and compressed. A sensor that collects oil in the air with a filter and detects the amount of the collected oil can be used as the oil detection sensor 14 and is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the oil.

  Furthermore, the load connected to the air dryer module 10 is not limited to the main brake device, the parking brake, and the accessories, and any device that uses compressed air may be connected. The detailed configuration can be arbitrarily changed. Further, the vehicle to which the compressed air supply device for a vehicle of the present invention is applied is not particularly limited, and may be any of a large vehicle, a small vehicle, a special vehicle, a towing vehicle, a two-wheeled vehicle, or a three-wheeled vehicle. The form is arbitrary.

1 Compressed air supply system (Vehicle compressed air supply system)
2 ECU
3 Display section (output section)
4 Compressor (Air compressor)
11 Air dryer 141 Oil mist sensor (concentration sensor)
213 Inlet air chamber (introduction part)
251 Oil pan (oil reservoir)

Claims (5)

In a vehicle compressed air supply device that includes an air compressor mounted on a vehicle and supplies compressed air discharged from the air compressor to a load of the vehicle,
The discharge line of the air compressor is provided with an air dryer that removes foreign substances such as moisture contained in the compressed air, the oil dryer is provided with an oil detection sensor, and an output unit that outputs the detection result of the oil detection sensor is provided. Was it,
Compressed air supply device for vehicles characterized by this.   2. The compressed air supply device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the oil detection sensor is disposed inside a case of the air dryer.   3. The compressed air supply device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the oil detection sensor is installed in the vicinity of an introduction portion that guides compressed air to a desiccant included in the air dryer.   The vehicular compressed air supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the oil detection sensor includes a concentration sensor that detects an oil mist concentration.   4. The vehicle compressed air supply device according to claim 1, wherein the oil detection sensor includes an electrode provided in an oil reservoir at a bottom of the case in the air dryer. 5.

Images